Strictly Come Dancing viewers have urged the BBC to address a key issue with Johannes Radebe's live debut as presenter. The first live show of the 2026 series aired on Saturday, September 26, marking the first without stalwarts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Radebe, who stepped up from professional dancer to hosting duties, joined fellow newbies Josh Widdicombe and Emma Wallis for the live broadcast. However, fans quickly noticed a recurring problem: Radebe was speaking while dancers were walking up the stairs after performances, making him inaudible, and his microphone was too low generally.
Viewers call for production changes
Several viewers took to social media to voice their concerns. @camjmes0 said: "Clearly the earpieces weren’t working to tell Johannes that not a single person in the country could hear him when the celebs were running up the stairs."
@tashtolive added: "Why has johannes started speaking before the camera cuts to him after EVERY dance, it’s barely audible, struggling to tell if it’s done this way on purpose ??? #strictlycomedancing #strictly."
@andcapernosity asked: "Was Johannes operating on a 7 second time delay? #Strictly #Strictly2026 #StrictlyComeDancing."
Mixed reactions to new hosting team
@benskii24 suggested: "Hear me out, get rid of Josh, turn Johannes microphone up and bring back the OG headboard but otherwise it's alright."
@junet42774 and @thechrisstreet both noted: "#Strictly Johannes keeps talking to camera too early, so no idea what he's telling us about."
@twitthickos said: "Johannes is lovely, but production is doing him dirty. Either turn his mic up or ask him not to speak as people walk up. For a first live show the three of them did fine. They need to find their groove. Josh was quick witted when needed and Emma is the glue. #strictly."
@victoramuzz summed up the feedback: "#Strictly #SCD I'm afraid it gets a 4 from me. Missed cues, flatter than flat atmosphere in the Claudatorium, rabbits in headlights, & what the heck was going on with Johannes? Why was he speaking while EVERY couple was still walking up the stairs? It was a production shambles."
However, some viewers backed Radebe. @nobodyknowsphil said: "Week one of #Strictly: 'I’m gonna take a sip of water and let’s Rock & Roll.' What a great premiere. Kudos to the new hosts but I’m mostly giving all the flowers to Johannes Radebe. It’s weird not seeing him as a Professional Dancer but he did great as a host."
First live show performances
The first live week began with Big Brother presenter Will Best and pro partner Dianne Buswell, who performed a samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams, earning 18 points from the judges.
Skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker and newcomer Mark Karmalita followed with a Jive to Katseye’s Animal, racking up 22 points.
The judging trio split presenting responsibilities, with Willis and Widdicombe by the judges’ table while Radebe welcomed dancers on the balcony ahead of the score reveal. The first two shows will not include a public vote or elimination, as is customary for the beginning of a new series.
